View Full Version : The Official Ligue 1 Thread
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A little piece of history of the French League
Ligue 1 (Première Division or Division 1 until 2003) is the top division of French football, one of two divisions making up the LFP, the other being Ligue 2.
The 20 Ligue 1 teams play each other twice (home and away) during the season for a 38-match schedule. At the end of the season, the bottom three teams in the division are relegated to Ligue 2. This promotion and relegation format, in place since 1995, is a relative novelty in the French top flight. The traditional format has long been direct relegation of the bottom two teams and a play-off between the third-latest first-division team and the winner of the second-division play-offs.
Currently, the top three teams in Ligue 1 qualify for the Champions League, with the top two proceeding directly to the group phase. The third-placed team enters in the final qualifying round. The fourth-placed team qualifies for the UEFA Cup. The fifth- and sixth-placed teams can also qualify, depending on results in the two domestic cup competitions.
Ligue 1 teams standing on equal points are ranked by goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded) and, if still even, by the number of goals scored. Until 1966, the league used "goal average" (the ratio of goals scored to goals conceded) instead of goal difference to break ties on points. This system actually favored the defensive over the offensive, as shown by the outcome of the 1961-62 season: Stade de Reims edged Racing Club de Paris for the title by a 0.018 difference in goal average (i.e., a single goal over the entire season) and was crowned champion on equal points in spite of equal goal difference (83-60 vs. 86-63) and fewer goals scored.
Ligue 1 is generally regarded as competently run, with good planning of fixtures, complete and consistently enforced rules, timely resolution of issues, and adequate escalation procedures of judicial disputes to national or international institutions. It has faced three significant corruption scandals in its history (Olympique d'Antibes in 1933, Red Star in the 1950s, and Olympique de Marseille in 1993) and has preserved its reputation every time through swift and appropriately severe punishment of the guilty parties.
Current Teams (2005/06)
AC Ajaccio
AJ Auxerre
FC Girondins de Bordeaux
RC Lens
Lille OSC
Olympique Lyonnais
Le Mans UC72
Olympique de Marseille
FC Metz
AS Monaco FC
AS Nancy Lorraine
FC Nantes Atlantique
OGC Nice
Paris Saint-Germain FC
Stade Rennais FC
AS Saint-Etienne
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
RC Strasbourg
Toulouse FC
Troyes AC
Previous Winners
1932/33 - Olympique Lillois
1933/34 - FC Sète
1934/35 - FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
1935/36 - Racing Club de Paris
1936/37 - Olympique de Marseille
1937/38 - FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
1938/39 - FC Sète
1939 - 1945 - league interrupted due to World War II
1945/46 - Lille OSC
1946/47 - CO Roubaix-Tourcoing
1947/48 - Olympique de Marseille
1948/49 - Stade de Reims
1949/50 - Girondins de Bordeaux
1950/51 - OGC Nice
1951/52 - OGC Nice
1952/53 - Stade de Reims
1953/54 - Lille OSC
1954/55 - Stade de Reims
1955/56 - OGC Nice
1956/57 - AS Saint-Étienne
1957/58 - Stade de Reims
1958/59 - OGC Nice
1959/60 - Stade de Reims
1960/61 - AS Monaco FC
1961/62 - Stade de Reims
1962/63 - AS Monaco FC
1963/64 - AS Saint-Étienne
1964/65 - FC Nantes
1965/66 - FC Nantes
1966/67 - AS Saint-Étienne
1967/68 - AS Saint-Étienne
1968/69 - AS Saint-Étienne
1969/70 - AS Saint-Étienne
1970/71 - Olympique de Marseille
1971/72 - Olympique de Marseille
1972/73 - FC Nantes
1973/74 - AS Saint-Étienne
1974/75 - AS Saint-Étienne
1975/76 - AS Saint-Étienne
1976/77 - FC Nantes
1977/78 - AS Monaco FC
1978/79 - RC Strasbourg
1979/80 - FC Nantes
1980/81 - AS Saint-Étienne
1981/82 - AS Monaco FC
1982/83 - FC Nantes
1983/84 - Girondins de Bordeaux
1984/85 - Girondins de Bordeaux
1985/86 - Paris Saint-Germain FC
1986/87 - Girondins de Bordeaux
1987/88 - AS Monaco FC
1988/89 - Olympique de Marseille
1989/90 - Olympique de Marseille
1990/91 - Olympique de Marseille
1991/92 - Olympique de Marseille
1992/93 - no champion Olympique de Marseille stripped of title due to a corruption scandal)
1993/94 - Paris Saint-Germain FC
1994/95 - FC Nantes
1995/96 - AJ Auxerre
1996/97 - AS Monaco FC
1997/98 - RC Lens
1998/99 - Girondins de Bordeaux
1999/00 - AS Monaco FC
2000/01 - FC Nantes
2001/02 - Olympique Lyonnais
2002/03 - Olympique Lyonnais
2003/04 - Olympique Lyonnais
2004/05 - Olympique Lyonnais
2005/06 - ?
Records
Most titles: AS Saint-Étienne, 10
Most consecutive titles: AS Saint-Étienne (1967-1970); Olympique de Marseille (1989-1992); Lyon (2002-2005), 4
Longest unbeaten record within a single season: Nantes, 32 matches (1994-1995)
Longest unbeaten record over multiple seasons: RC Strasbourg, 38 matches (1977-78 and 1978-79)
Longest unbeaten home record: Nantes, 92 matches, between May 15, 1976 and April 7, 1981
Most wins in a season: 26 for Reims (1959-60), Monaco (1960-61), Nantes (1965-66, 1979-80) for a 20-team league; 25 for Saint-Étienne (1969-70) for an 18-team league
Most home victories in a season: 19 for Saint-Étienne (1974-75)
Most away victories in a season: 12 for Saint-Étienne (1969-70) and Marseille (1971-72)
Fewest losses in a season: 1 for Nantes (1994-95)
Most seasons in top-flight: FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, 57 seasons (including 2005-2006)
Most consecutive seasons in top-flight: Nantes, 43 seasons, in progress since 1963 (including 2005-06)
Highest-scoring season: 1946-47 (1,344 goals, average: 3.51 per match) for a 20-team league; 1948-49 (1,138 goals, average: 3.71 per match) for an 18-team league
Highest-scoring team in a season: 1959-60 RC Paris, 118 goals, in 20-team format; 1948-49 Lille OSC, 102 goals, in 18-team format
Best defense in a season: 1991-92 Marseille, 21 goals conceded
Best goal difference in a season: 1959-60 Reims, +63, 20-team format; 1948-49 Lille OSC, +62, 18-team format
Biggest win: 12-1, Sochaux v. Valenciennes, 1935-36
Season with most yellow cards: 2002-03 (1,654)
Season with most red cards: 131 in 2002-2003 (131)
Most red cards in a season : 1998-99 Bastia, 2002-03 Paris Saint-Germain FC, and 2003-04 Lens, 13
Most matches for a coach : Guy Roux, Auxerre (1961-2000,2001-2005) 890 matches
Highest overall attendance : 8,086,774 spectateurs in 2004-2005 (20 clubs)
Highest average attendance : 23,154 spectateurs per match in 2000-2001 (18 clubs)
Highest daily attendance for a single game day : 281,000, Day 33, 1997-1998 (28,100 per match)
Highest single attendance : 57,714, Marseille-Lyon, 1998-1999.
Players
Most titles : Jean-Michel Larqué and Hervé Revelli of Saint-Étienne, 7 times champions (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1976)
Cleanest sheets : Gaëtan Huard, Bordeaux, 1176 minutes without conceding in 1992-1993
Most matches played : Jean-Luc Ettori, Monaco, 602 matches for a goalkeeper ; Alain Giresse (Bordeaux, Marseille), 586 matches for an out-fielder
Highest scorer : Delio Onnis (1972-1986), 299
Highest French goalscorer : Bernard Lacombe (1970-1987), 255
Goals per season : Josip Skoblar, Marseille, 44 (1970-1971)
Each season: See Highest goalscorers in Ligue 1
Goals per match : 7 , Jean Nicolas, Rouen, 1938 against Valenciennes; André Abegglen (FC Sochaux-Montbéliard) 1935 against Valenciennes
Most games scored in in a row : Vahid Halilhodzic (Nantes) 9 matches in a row - 1984-1985
Most red cards : Cyril Rool : 19 (end of 2004-2005, more to come?)
Youngest player : Laurent Paganelli, Saint-Étienne 15 years 10 months
Youngest to score a hat trick : Jérémy Menez, FC Sochaux-Montbéliard January 22, 2005 against Bordeaux - 17 years 8 months 15 days
Top Goalscorers this season
1 Pedro Pauleta PSG 14
2 Peguy Luyindula Auxerre 9
3 Sylvain Wiltord Lyon 8
4 Daniel Cousin Lens 8
5 Luigi Pieroni Auxerre 8
6 Vinicius De Melo Le Mans 7
7 Mickael Pagis Marseille 6
8 Araujo Ilan Sochaux 6
9 Daniel Moreira Toulouse 6
10 Mamadou Diallo Nantes 6
11 Sebasiten Grax Troyes 6
12 Fred Lyon 6
13 Peter Odemwingie Lille 6
14 Franck Ribery Marseille 5
15 Aruna Dindane Lens 5
16 Moncef Zerka Nancy 5
17 Olivier Thomert Lens 5
18 Mamadou Niang Marseille 5
19 Elie Kroupi Lyon 5
20 Alexander Frei Rennes 5
21 John Carew Lyon 5
22 Juninho Lyon 4
23 Frédéric Piquionne Saint-Etienne 4
24 Jean Makoun Lille 4
25 Habib Bamogo Nantes 4
26 Matt Moussilou Lille 4
Standings
1 Lyon 25 PL, 16 W, 8 D, 1 L. 56 PTS.
2 Bordeaux 26 PL, 13 W, 10 D, 3 L. 49 PTS.
3 Auxerre 26 PL, 13 W, 4 D, 9 L. 43 PTS.
4 Lille 26 PL, 11 W, 8 D, 7 L. 41 PTS.
5 PSG 26 PL, 11 W, 7 D, 8 L. 40 PTS.
6 Mareille 25 PL, 11 W, 7 D, 8 L. 40 PTS.
7 Le Mans 26 PL, 11 W, 6 D, 89 L. 39 PTS.
8 Lens 26 PL, 8 W, 14 D, 4 L. 38 PTS.
9 Monaco 25 PL, 10 W, 7 D, 8 L. 37 PTS.
10 Nancy 25 PL, 10 W, 5 D, 10 L. 35 PTS.
11 Saint-Etienne 25 PL, 8 W, 10 D, 7 L. 34 PTS.
12 Toulouse 26 PL, 9 W, 7 D, 10 L. 34 PTS.
13 Nantes 25 PL, 8 W, 9 D, 8 L. 33 PTS.
14 Nice 25 PL, 8 W, 9 D, 8 L. 33 PTS.
15 Rennes 26 PL, 10 W, 2 D, 14 L. 32 PTS.
16 Sochaux 26 PL, 6 W, 9 D, 11 L. 27 PTS.
17 Troyes 25 PL, 6 W, 8 D, 11 L. 26 PTS.
18 AC Ajaccio 26 PL, 4 W, 9 D, 13 L. 21 PTS.
19 Strasbourg 26 PL, 2 W, 11 D, 13 L. 17 PTS.
20 Metz 25 PL, 2 W, 9 D, 14 L. 15 PTS.
This thread is all about the Ligue 1 and French football. Feel free to post here, and talk about the players, the promising youngsters, the National team, the clubs and your favourites if you have any. All about French football, you can get it here.
To start, i support Lyon. ;). Official site, www.olweb.fr
Matchday 22
Nancy 0-2 Lyon
Nantes 0-0 Nice
Auxerre 1-0 Lens
Lille 3-0 Sochaux
Monaco 0-1 Bordeaux
Strasbourg 2-1 Metz
Le Mans 1-0 AC Ajaccio
PSG 2-1 Troyes
Saint-Etienne 0-0 Toulouse - Match abandoned due to frozen pitch.
Marseille 1-0 Rennes
Hopefully Lyon take advantage and win at Ligue 2 winners Nancy to increase their point lead to another week with 14 points.
Don Sweey
13-01-2006, 09:00
That's a great opening to this thread. Nice posts ;)
That's a great opening to this thread. Nice posts ;)
Man, thanks. I appreciate that comment Sweey. You like any French teams? :)
Magpie4eva
13-01-2006, 09:06
Meh Funny you should do this thread as yesterday on FM I took over Strasbourg. Go Stras!
Don Sweey
13-01-2006, 09:08
Man, thanks. I appreciate that comment Sweey. You like any French teams? :)
Not a fan of Marseille. I like seeing Lyon doing what they're doing as I like how they play but I'm not a fan of them. I do follow the league though. Feel a bit sorry for the Nantes goalkeeper Mickael Landreau
Meh Funny you should do this thread as yesterday on FM I took over Strasbourg. Go Stras!
Hehe, its nice to hear you took over them. At the moment, they are doing pretty bad, and sit at the bottom of the League, hopefully you can turn their fortunes around. ;)
@Sweey, thats good. Yeah, i must admit, Landreau staying at Nantes, is not healthy for a keeper of his caliber. He should move to a bigger club. Nantes are well known for their youngsters, Jeremy Toulalan looks very promising.
Im surprised you are not following Vieri to Monaco? :tongue:
Magpie4eva
13-01-2006, 09:26
Yep so far so good although some of their players are :laugh:
Loads are on the transfer list and I'm turning this club around!
Yep so far so good although some of their players are :laugh:
Loads are on the transfer list and I'm turning this club around!
Good good, I suggest Jeremy Menez and Jimmy Briand, they'd get you loads of goals. ;)
Don Sweey
13-01-2006, 10:17
@Sweey, thats good. Yeah, i must admit, Landreau staying at Nantes, is not healthy for a keeper of his caliber. He should move to a bigger club. Nantes are well known for their youngsters, Jeremy Toulalan looks very promising.
Im surprised you are not following Vieri to Monaco? :tongue:
I want him and Di Vaio to do well but I don't think I want either in Italy's World Cup squad despite the dire form of Iaquinta.
I still remember Di Vaio slagging off Italian football when he went to Valencia. Serves him right what's happened to him. He deserved to pay for his comments and I haven't forgiven him.
Nancy 0-2 Lyon.
Wonderful, once again, Lyon wins and are unbeaten at the moment for this year. Four out of four, incredible stuff. Nancy this week, the victims. You could see that Nancy were really pushing Lyon to the limits for their fans, but couldn't find the magic to break Lyon down. It was a rather lacklustre performance from Lyon in the first half. The second half though, we took only 5 minutes to score for in the 50' minute, Claudio Cacapa scored the first goal of the game. After a neat pass from Benzema (Who is getting better every game tbh), Claudio just finished things off with a sweet kick into the bottom left of the goal. 7 minutes before the end though, when Nancy were really trying to get that equalizer, we scored against the run of play. Benzema attempted a long drive which deflected off Chretien which resulted into a corner. Wiltord (instead of Juninho who was out injured) took the corner and Fred finished the game heading in the second goal and his 6th goal if the season. Bravo Lyon! Allez Lyon! Allez, allez Lyon!
There are three more games to go before Matchday 23.
Next up for the mighty champions who are aiming for the 5th straight title, is home to Auxerre who are third placed and did well to beat Lens in their last game. Interesting it should be. I expect 3-1. ;)
Phatmann2003
15-01-2006, 13:10
Nikos, who do you think should be France's goalkeeper? Barthez or Coupet?
Nikos, who do you think should be France's goalkeeper? Barthez or Coupet?
Coupet all the way man! Though Barthez puts on occasional brilliant performances and quick reflexing, Coupet is that and much more, and younger too. Coupet and Landreau should be the goalkeepers for France, Barthez is past it. Its Coupet's turn to finally shine at Germany, :cool:
-Thanks Phat, keep the questions comin'. ;)
Matchday 23
AC Ajaccio 3-1 Marseille
Nice 1-0 PSG
Metz 1-4 Nantes
Rennes 0-2 Nancy
Toulouse 0-0 Lille
Troyes 1-3 Le Mans
Bordeaux 2-1 Strasbourg
Sochaux 4-0 Saint-Etienne
Lens 1-1 Monaco
Lyon 1-1 Auxerre
Looks like a good set of games from my view, esp. Lyon and Auxerre, first meets third. Monaco and Nantes badly need wins after going winless in their last three fixtures, respectively. Vieiri's debut at Monaco was spoilt thanks to Bordeaux's Denilson's winner. Vieri will surely want to erase that memory and try to win at Lens, difficult task. But for my Lyon, i expect them to get this again and go 5 out of 5 for this year. I hope Fred and Govou scores in this fixture. Let's go Lyon! ;)
Don Sweey
16-01-2006, 07:49
Why was Saint-Etienne's match with Toulouse called off?
Why was Saint-Etienne's match with Toulouse called off?
Saint Etienne's match with Toulouse was called off because of a frozen pitch, :mellow:. The degree was well below of a temperature that players can play in. Philippe Malige (the referee) halted the game after 15 minutes of play, while it was still 0-0. The rematch is scheduled later this week, a few days before matchday 23. ;)
Don Sweey
16-01-2006, 09:50
Thanks for the info :D
Thanks for the info :D
Hey, no problem. ;)
Just keep this thread alive with your questions is all i ask in return. :laugh:. Anytime. ;)
Nice and Le Mans draw on reserves
OGC Nice and Le Mans UC 72 advanced to the semi-finals of the French League Cup but both required extra-time to edge hard-fought ties.
Henrique misery
Ligue 1 strugglers Nice performed the surprise of the night as they defeated second-placed FC Girondins de Bordeaux 2-1 after extra-time. Florent Balmont scored the decisive goal just after the turnaround, when his volley went in after taking a fortuitous deflection off Bordeaux defender Carlos Henrique. It capped a miserable night for Brazilian defender Henrique, after he had earlier conceded a penalty, felling Malian striker Mamadou Bagayoko on the cusp of half-time.
English connection
Former Manchester United FC striker David Bellion slotted in the resulting spot-kick, but their lead was fleeting as another one-time English Premiership player, Vladimír Šmicer levelled with a rasping drive. But the Ligue 1 frontrunners failed to take the initiative and although Nice were denied a winner in regulation time when Olivier Echouafni struck the post, Balmont sealed their place in the last four for the first time since they won the competition in 1997.
Penalty drama
The other tie between En Avant Guingamp and Le Mans UC 72 at the Stade Roudourou was equally tight, as the home team made light of their form at the bottom of Ligue 2 to take the tie to penalties. After dominating for much of the encounter, Guingamp were finally put on the back foot at the start of extra time when former player Cédric Fauré capitalised on a defensive error to hand Le Mans the lead.
Pelé heroics
Former AJ Auxerre midfielder Arnaud Gonzalez equalised with just six minutes left before the visitors were rescued by goalkeeper Yohann Pelé, who save three penalties in the ensuing shoot-out. Le Mans must now wait until Sunday when they and Nice will learn their opponents in the semi-finals. The remaining quarter-finals between AS Nancy-Lorraine and AC Ajaccio, and Toulouse FC and AS Monaco FC take place tomorrow.
Source: uefa.com
Seems alright. Nice had it hard taken, im happy for them. Hopefully this sort of run for Nice will continue. Beating Bordeaux is a very hard task under Nice's circumstances, brave to them. Guingamp played very well, i saw the highlights, Pele the keeper was brilliant for them, truly was the hero. Anyway, Ligue 1 games resume later this week. ;)
AgentZero
18-01-2006, 11:50
Kudos nikos..you put a lot of effort into this, kudos
im hopin AS Monaco can barnstorm the 2nd half of theseason and finnish at a respectable position.....
Clyde Frog
18-01-2006, 19:48
1992/93 - no champion Olympique de Marseille stripped of title due to a corruption scandal)
Filthy bastards! We probably could have got to the final if it wasn't for these cheats! :realmad:
Never will forget that.
Anyway, I like PSG. Now I know the league is very much done and dusted. But any team in the top ten could end up with a Champions League place which is what I like, PSG have Nice, and Auxerre have Lyon next so I can see PSG moving up into third soon. :)
Don Sweey
18-01-2006, 20:18
Filthy bastards! We probably could have got to the final if it wasn't for these cheats! :realmad:
We lost to them in the final :realmad:
In fairness though, they didn't cheat in European competition (that anyone is aware of), only in the French league
Kudos nikos..you put a lot of effort into this, kudos
im hopin AS Monaco can barnstorm the 2nd half of theseason and finnish at a respectable position.....
Thats very nice to hear Los. It makes me feel so much better, ;).
As for AS Monaco, i do believe they have the squad and consistency, they just need the time to bond with eachother. It seems they have done it now, because Vieri scored his first goal for Monaco against Toulouse in the Coupe de la Ligue. Good game, entertaining, a bit dull though in the first half. Chances for both sides. Plasil scored the fisrt goal of the game on 66', and in the 90th minute Vieri hit the winner for his first goal in a Monaco shirt. Good goal I tell ya. In the other game, Nancy beat Ajaccio. First time in their history have they reached this far, excellent job they have accomplished. So its, Nancy, Monaco, Le Mans and Nice still left for the Coupe de la Ligue competition.
In the Coupe de France (Other sub competition) The quarter finals are placed. And will be played on 31st January and February 1st, the final 8 include Rennes-Lens, PSG-Auxerre, Ajaccio-Lyon and Marseille-Metz. Lyon, who hope to be winning this one, because they haven't lifted this particular cup since 1973! :mellow:, So watch out for those matches, oh, and the Ligue 1 scheduled games this week. ;)
Once again, thanks Los.
@Rangers, ah well, it was tough for Marseille im sure. Atleast they are making their run now, and, not too sure they will the league this season, but a CL appearance is possible providing they do well on their next couple of fixtures. In where they play away to Ajaccio, home to Sochaux, then away to Troyes. Taking a maximum 9 out of 9 points will do them very well and could rise to a possible top 4, even three because Bordeaux will play away to Ajaccio, (where they dont play so well for some reason), then home to Lyon on matchday 25. Ehm, where they wil have a very difficult time :). So, hopefully for you, Marseille capitalize on that. Otherwise, PSG might do that, as i see you like them aswell. I thought it was Marseille! :tongue:, no worries, PSG also have a good a chance at making it, providing they play well and consistently, something they do. And Kalou has been tremedous so far for them, not to mention Pauleta who is currently Ligue 1's top scorer, all is well for PSG, Rangers. ;)
Latest Transfer News: Middlesbrough man Nemeth about to move to Strasbourg, Ajaccio's Bastien to Sedan in Ligue 2, Pienaar to Dortmund in June, Figueroa to River Plate, Franco the other way, and Marseille have given Abdoulaye Meite until January 31st to decide on whether he wants to leave Marseille or not. ;)
An added-time strike from French Under-21 winger Julien Faubert earned FC Girondins de Bordeaux a dramatic Ligue 1 victory at home against RC Strasbourg while Olympique de Marseille unexpectedly lost at AC Ajaccio.
Le Pen on target
With leaders Olympique Lyonnais taking on AJ Auxerre on Sunday, Bordeaux knew that victory at the Stade Chaban-Delmas would cut the gap at the top to eleven points. The home side made a poor start, however, falling behind after only ten minutes as Strasbourg striker Kevin Gameiro was brought down in the penalty area and Ulrich Le Pen beat Ulrich Ramé from the penalty spot.
Faubert delight
Bordeaux gradually worked their way back into the match and drew level eight minutes before half-time through former AC Siena midfielder Fernando Menegazzo. Strasbourg then lost their new signing, Egyptian midfielder Abou Moslim, to a red card for a tackle from behind, but held firm until two minutes into added time. With seconds remaining, however, Franck Jurietti's free-kick was met by Faubert, who volleyed Bordeaux's winner.
Rivals falter
That win took on added significance as the three sides in fourth, fifth and sixth position - LOSC Lille Métropole, Paris Saint-Germain FC and Marseille - all failed to pick up three points. Marseille lost 3-1 at Ajaccio, whose win was their first in 16 league matches, with Waldeir Lucas scoring twice. PSG also lost away from home, going down to Sammy Traoré's header two minutes from time, while Lille were held to a goalless draw at Toulouse FC.
Metz misery
Le Mans UC 72 moved up to seventh position with a 3-1 success at ES Troyes Aube Champagne, Japanese midfielder Daisuke Matsui scoring twice in five first-half minutes. AS Nancy-Lorraine won 2-0 at Stade Rennais FC while FC Sochaux-Montbéliard overwhelmed AS Saint-Etienne, running out 4-0 victors. FC Metz slipped to the bottom of the table with their sixth home defeat of the season, going down 4-1 against FC Nantes Atlantique.
Source: ©uefa.com
I honestly couldn't watch much games, i didn't even finish one. All i know is, im definitely commenting on the Lyon - Auxerre game! Allez Lyon!
Luyindula returns to haunt Lyon
AJ Auxerre's Péguy Luyindula continued his knack of scoring against his former employers as Olympique Lyonnais were held to a 1-1 draw at the Stade Gerland. Former Lyon striker Luyindula had scored against the perennial French champions with Olympique de Marseille, and repeated the trick as he came off the bench to grab a late equaliser.
Santini gameplan
Another ex-Lyon man, Auxerre coach Jacques Santini, started with only one striker on the pitch – Luigi Pieroni – and Luyindula on the bench, but his defensive gameplan was undone two minutes before half-time when Mahamadou Diarra inadvertently found the net with what looked like a pass to Sylvain Wiltord.
Lyon overstretched
With an hour gone, Luyindula entered the fray, but was unable to halt the seemingly one-way traffic towards the Auxerre goal. However, Lyon overstretched, and with two minutes to play Pieroni and Luyindula surged forward on the break and the latter ensured his former team-mates dropped points for the first time in 2006.
Gapke seizes chance
Earlier on Sunday, neither RC Lens nor AS Monaco FC were able to claim their first win of the year in a tight 1-1 draw at the Stade Félix Bollaert. With new signings Christian Vieri and Marco Di Vaio out with stomach bugs, Monaco coach Francesco Guidolin handed Serge Gakpe a rare start, and the 18-year-old responded with a superb strike on six minutes.
Dindane tribute
Lens were without suspended forward Daniel Cousin, and struggled to create chances until Nicolas Gillet levelled from close range before half-time. Lens' muted celebrations were a tribute to team-mate Aruna Dindane, whose daughter died on Thursday. Both sides risk losing touch in the race for UEFA Champions League places, and now lie eight and nine points respectively behind second-placed FC Girondins de Bordeaux.
Source: ©uefa.com
Damn Peguy. He has done it again, he always does it. Ever since being transferred from Lyon to Auxerre, he has scored against us. 88th minute too! It was an average performance from Lyon honestly. I didn't see much difference from the game they had against Nancy, just a different opponent. They started the game slowly, just like they did also against Nancy. Thankfully, they did score in the first half, through Mahamadou Diarra. Lovely, although it was a slight deflection. Can't be bothered to explain Auxerre's goal. Thanks Peguy! Anyway, we are still 12 points clear of our nearest rival, Bordeaux. I still believe we will take Ligue 1 once again. Hopefully we change our system of play and score atleast two goals in the first half, which just may possible (Unless Vieri or Di Vaio have different plans) against Monaco who gladly held Lens to a 1-1 draw aswell. Anyway, faith i have in my Lyon, Allez Lyon! Allez Allez, Lyon!
By the way, since Cacapa was injured, it was Juninho the captain. Pretty nice. ;)
Shock: Nice beating PSG 1-0.
Latest French Football News:
Lyon receive Berthod boost
Olympique Lyonnais defender Jérémy Berthod will be back from injury in time to face PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League on 21 February. The 21-year-old pulled his left hamstring during Sunday's 1-1 French league draw against AJ Auxerre but is expected to return within three weeks.
Quintet unavailable
Nonetheless, Berthod's short-term absence adds to coach Gérard Houllier's selection problems with five first-team defenders now missing. Claudio Caçapa, Eric Abidal and Anthony Réveillère are injured, while Lamine Diatta is at the African Cup of Nations with Senegal.
New signing?
Réveillère should return to full fitness ahead of Sunday's trip to AS Monaco FC, while club president Jean-Michel Aulas has stated his intention to sign a new defender before the January transfer window closes. Meanwhile, it is anticipated that the left-sided Berthod will be available for the Round of 16 first-leg tie at PSV, the side that knocked Lyon out of last season's competition at the quarter-final stage. The return fixture takes place at Stade Gerland on 8 March.
Németh strengthens Strasbourg attack
French side RC Strasbourg have signed Slovakian international striker Szilárd Németh on a six-month loan from UEFA Cup rivals Middlesbrough FC.
Limited opportunities
The 28-year-old, who has scored 21 times in 56 appearances for his country, moved to England in 2001 but has struggled to win a regular role in the Middlesbrough team, registering 23 goals in 117 Premiership games. He has found opportunities increasingly hard to come by, starting just one league match this season, although he did find the target on his last outing in an English League Cup tie against Crystal Palace FC on 30 November.
Scoring problems
Strasbourg will hope Németh can bolster an attack that has mustered just 14 goals in 23 Ligue 1 games, the third-lowest total in the French top flight. The Slovakian, however, will be ineligible for the remainder of his new side's UEFA Cup campaign, having featured four times for Middlesbrough in the competition. Strasbourg face Bulgarian club PFC Litex Lovech in the Round of 32 on 15 and 23 February.
Source both from: ©uefa.com
Don Sweey
24-01-2006, 13:21
Vieri and Di Vaio are doing well..........oh wait, no they're not :laugh:
Matchday 24
Bordeaux 1-0 Lens
Nantes - Troyes
Auxerre 2-0 Rennes
Strasbourg - PSG
Le Mans 1-1 Toulouse
Nancy 0-0 AC Ajaccio
Marseille 0-0 Sochaux
Saint-Etienne - Nice
Lille 3-1 Metz
Monaco - Lyon
AS Monaco vs. Lyon
Will be a great game if you ask me. Going to Stade de Louis will be good for us, we usually pull of good results there. One true fact - We have never lost at the Stade de Louis during day time. At night time, we have only lost 4 times out of over 100 visits there.
So, i will stick with history, and i believe we can get a positive result. But now with Vieri all pumped up, we may have a problem or two. As we are also missing Cacapa, and playing Clerc (Youngster) in his place. I expect a draw, 2-2 at the very least. Lyon taking the lead. And Monaco fighting back twice to tie the game. Allez Lyon!
AS Monaco - Lyon game Postponed!
Lille more than a match for Metz
LOSC Lille Métropole's dominance at set pieces proved the key to a 3-1 home win against bottom club FC Metz. The northern French side tightened their grip on fourth place in France's Ligue 1 on a weekend of four postponements due to bad weather.
Keita milestone
Kader Keita opened the scoring with his first goal for Lille, unmarked at the far post from a Geoffrey Dernis free-kick. Mathieu Debuchy took the credit for the second, when his cross found the net after taking deflections off Metz defender Stéphane Morisot and goalkeeper Grégory Wimbée. Efstathios Tavlaridis then rounded off the victory on 65 minutes, heading home a Dernis corner, before Christophe Borbiconi headed a late consolation for Metz.
Heavy storm
AS Monaco FC's home game against champions Olympique Lyonnais was postponed after a heavy storm in the principality flooded the pitch. "The players' safety could not be guaranteed," said referee Bertrand Layec. Three other matches fell victim to snow and frozen pitches on Saturday.
French Cup
Attention now turns to the round of 32 in French Cup, which is scheduled for midweek. The highlight of next weekend's Ligue 1 action is the battle between first and second - Lyon versus FC Girondins de Bordeaux.
Source: ©uefa.com
Damn, the match was abandoned due to flooded pitch. Talk about the weather, its bloody chilly now at France! Not sure about there up north, but definitely need many coats to keep us warm, :ninja:
Anyway, once again, the abandoned matches (Freezing temperatures), will be rescheduled again for this week, and will play according to the schedule the FFF give them.
Still believe Lyon will had have no affect, and will still come out with something positive. Atleast now, we have Berthod back. :D
Latest scorelines
Coupe de France
Bordeaux 2-1 Sannois Saint Gratien Finished
Lyon la Duchere 0-0 Strasbourg La Duchere wins Penalty Shootout
Bois Guillaume 0-2 Nantes Finished
Chateauroux 0-0 Sochaux Abandoned due to snow
Rennes 1-0 Lens Finished
The Bordeaux and Saint Gretien was a pleasure viewing. Bordeaux fielded a rather weaker team but one player had a special night. Talk about fantastic debuts, Beto, who was recently signed from Sporting, opened his Bordeaux goal account with two goals to help overcome the opposition. Fantastic goal number two from the Portuguese player.
The other games haven't been of much significant, with no real upsets so far, going in half time 1-0 up are Nantes, thanks to Rossi's first ever goal for the Atlantique outfit, nice prospect. The rest of the games, as you can see are still goalless. Rennes 0-0 Lens, Chateauroux holding Sochaux, hitman Jeremy Menez hitting the post twice!
Lyon minnows shock Strasbourg
Fourth division amateurs Lyon-La-Duchère gave further credence to the claim that there is more than one team in Lyon as they shocked RC Strasbourg in the French Cup round of 32 after a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Meanwhile, RC Lens only had themselves to blame as they succumbed to Stade Rennais FC.
Morandini marvels
Lyon-La-Duchère saw off Ligue 1 strugglers Toulouse FC to reach this stage but few expected them to repeat the feat against Strasbourg, another team languishing towards the bottom of the French top flight. But the home team eked out a goalless draw at the Balmont stadium, holding Strasbourg for the additional 30 minutes too, before goalkeeper Brice Morandini came to the fore, saving Ulrich Le Pen's spot-kick to keep the lowly side's dreams alive.
Luckless Lens
A 63rd-minute own goal by defender Vitorino Hilton was enough to put paid to Lens's hopes of progressing to the last 16 against Rennes. The Brazilian's attempt to control Olivier Monterrubio's cross with his chest backfired as he inadvertently deflected the ball past his own goalkeeper, Sébastien Chabbert. The incident compounded a miserable night for Lens, for whom Daniel Cousin missed a first-half penalty.
Beto debut
Two second-half goals by Beto on his debut helped FC Girondins de Bordeaux avoid a cup shock at the hands of third division outfit Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien. The Parisien side broke the deadlock after 36 minute through Erwan Quintin, himself a product of Bordeaux's youth academy, before the signing from Sporting Clube de Portugal came to the rescue for his new club.
Nantes through
FC Nantes Atlantique cruised to a 2-0 win over fourth division side FUSC Boiguillaume. FC Basel 1983 signing Julio Rossi scored after 14 minutes before Mamadou Diallo added a second in the final minute. Meanwhile, fog brought a premature end to the fifth game of the evening between second division side LB Châteauroux and FC Sochaux-Montbéliard.
Source: ©uefa.com
Lyon-la-Duchere made history last night by defeating an opposition three times their division on penalty shoot-out. They did it to Toulouse, and now to Strasbourg. Boy, RC Stras need to get back on track as soon as possible, the pressure on their respective board had increased. Hopefully Nemeth will help them bounce back in the next game. As i've said Beto had a terrific night, great debut, great signing in that matter. Sochaux and Chateauroux was abandoned because of yet another freezing pitch, :ninja:.. Lens had a bad night overall, the own goal knocking them out, coupled with a missed penalty from their leading goalscorer Danny Cousin. Nantes as usual, or expected, won their respective game and avoided an upset from Bois. Fine strike from new signing Rossi and a final minute goal from Dialla gave them a comfortable night. Lyon-la-Duchere winning, terrific night for the vity, it's also the city where Lyon keeper was born in, Coupet, and so he also decided to celebrate it. Let's just hope the two Lyon sides don't get to meet later on the tournament. :ninja:.
Qualified Winners and advance to final eight of the Coupe de France
Bordeaux 2-1 Sannois Saint Gratien
Lyon la Duchere 0-0 Strasbourg (Via Penalty-Shootout)
Bois Guillaume 0-1 Nantes
Chateauroux 0-0 Sochaux (Abandoned due to frozen pitch)
Rennes 1-0 Lens
Coupe De France Part II
After knowing that Bordeuax, Lyon la Duchere, Rennes and yet undecided from Sochaux and Chateauroux have advanced to the quarter finals. The other eight are looking to complete the quarter final list. Here are the latest scorelines. I am currently watching Lyon's game, which is against Ajaccio :(. Anyway..
Paris S.G. 1-0 Auxerre Finished Goal from Pauleta. Seen the highlights, the crowd were very enthusiastic, so i guess that replaced a game that was rather boring, only around three shots on target.
Ajaccio 1-2 Lyon Extra Time - 1-0! What shock, Algerian midfielder Chafni is the goal hero. This is getting scary, hopefully we won't suffer the same fate Strasbourg had last night. We really want this cup. :(. Chafni 93'. We still have few minutes to rescue ourselves, :(. Holy shit! We equalized! Thank you Cris! Going down was very demoralizing, but we had to come back, and we had!. I pray this won't be a penalty shoot-out, we aren't too good with that. Ajaccio are starting to pile pressure again, such a good team. Anyway, Refreshed. 1-1. Chafni 93'. Cris 107'. Oh no no no, It's now 1-2!!! Merci merci Govou!! Classic counter-attack! What a game this is, it's been scaring the shit out of me for a long time. Cmon boys, let's keep this going, not too long now. 5 minutes till it's all over! Merci Sidney! Refreshed, 1-2. Chafni 93'. Cris 107', Govou 113'. FINISHED 1-2 AET
Colmar 1-0 Monaco Finished. Bader 112' - That's one hell of a shock! Now i fancy Lyon's chances, only Lille to worry about in this cup.
Lorient 0-1 Lille Finished. Keita 84'.
Marseille 2-0 Metz .Finished. Pagis 8', Gimenez 90'.
Ligue 1 Action
Saint-Etienne 1-3 Toulouse - Diawara 80' - Akpa Akpro 6', 71', Arribage 65'. Finished
Don Sweey
03-02-2006, 18:45
Lyon v Bordeaux this Sunday. Should be a good match.
Matchday 25
Metz - Nancy - Postponed due to freezing pitch, once again :ninja:
PSG 2-2 Saint-Etienne
Nice 2-0 Lille
Rennes 1-3 Monaco
Sochaux 0-0 Le Mans
Toulouse 1-0 Nantes
Lens 2-1 Strasbourg
AC Ajaccio 1-0 Auxerre
Troyes - Marseille
Lyon 0-0 Bordeaux
Lyon v Bordeaux this Sunday. Should be a good match.
Yes, it definitely should be. I think, ehm, I mean I know Lyon will make it, :tongue:. Just joking, like i said before if Lyon play very well in the first half and score at the very least two goals, then there is no stopping them. Whenever they took a two-goal lead this season, they haven't lost. Hopefully they can repeat that again against Bordeaux who are big rivals. And Bordeaux will desperately want a spot of the CL next season, so they will do their best to take some positive points. They already know they have lost Ligue 1 to Lyon, :tongue:, but it's not over just yet with the battle for second spot and the automatic qualification spot. Anyway, always stick by Lyon, i see 2-1. Bordeaux has found some sense of discipline ever since Juriettie took over as captain, oh, and super debut boy Beto is playing so probably some goals happening in the game, but still, Lyon. Fred, Govou. ;) Allez Lyon! :D
Don Sweey
03-02-2006, 22:56
I might be able to catch it on TV.....but then again I need to watch Milan get smacked by Lazio...tough choice :mellow:
Watch the Lyon game Sweey so i actually have someone to discuss the game with. :D
But then again, me being in this position, it would also be fun to watch Milan getting smacked. :tongue:. Are you doubting Milan's chances even before the game again Sweey? :mellow:
Don Sweey
03-02-2006, 23:15
Trust me. Dida will make another ridiculous mistake. If he doesn't, we'll just have some shambolic defending again. Even when we kept two or three clean sheets around Christmas teams were hitting the post and crossbar.
I predict (in France)....Lyon 1 Bordeaux 1
Maybe the only player that can save your title hopes (:tongue) is the man that always amazes me from Milan, Kaka. If he can play with all his heart and show quality (which he definitely has) then Milan may not have to suffer another defeat.
1-1? Probably, i don't think Lyon will lose Ligue 1 even if we don't get the victory. But that scoreline is very realistic based on how Bordeaux has been playing recently and their captain, Jurietti. It's helped them a lot.
Don Sweey
03-02-2006, 23:30
They've got a great defensive record, but don't score many either. I think that Bordeaux will generally be able to nullify Lyon's dangerous attacks but will struggle to particularly threaten Lyon's defence.
Yes, that is the kind of game i'm also expecting like the one with Marseille earlier in the season. Hopefully things go our way and score early, that will be very crucial.
Bordeaux beats Auxerre
Third-placed AJ Auxerre failed to close the gap on leaders FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Olympique Lyonnais as they slumped to defeat away against AC Ajaccio, while Christian Vieri helped AS Monaco FC to their first Ligue 1 win of 2006.
N'Diaye winner
A late goal from Senegalese striker Moussa N'Diaye shocked Auxerre, coming just seven minutes from time at the Stade François Coty and giving Jacques Santini's team precious little opportunity to reply.
Monaco mettle
Monaco bounced back after their midweek French Cup defeat by minnows SR Colmar against 14th-placed Stade Rennais FC. A goal down at half-time, the Principality side recovered as Camel Meriem came off the bench to provide a cross which Christian Vieri converted on 57 minutes.
Vieri double
Vieri completed the job ten minutes later with a fine shot from the edge of the penalty area before left-back Olivier Veigneau scored the third in the dying seconds, again from a Meriem pass.
Lens comeback
Among the other high-flyers, RC Lens also prevailed as Daniel Cousin's penalty and a second from the 21-year-old Seïd Khiter saw them recover from going behind to Kevin Gameiro's first-half goal.
PSG deadlock
Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain FC drew at home with AS Saint-Etienne in a thrilling game. Les Verts led twice at Parc des Princes through Frédéric Piquionne and Hélder Postiga but Pedro Pauleta (30) and Fabrice Pancrate (82) levelled.
Lille defeated
Finally, LOSC Lille Métropole were beaten 2-0 by eleventh-placed OGC Nice. The game was settled in the first half with goals by Tahiti-born striker Marama Vahirua and Sébastien Roudet.
Source: uefa.com©
*Happy that AC Ajaccio won, the game that I've watched. They completely deserved it, and Im happy for them, I really hope they don't get relegated. They are a good team, with a good spirit, and is my Father's hometown. And Alizee lives there too. Oh, Sweey, Vieri finally made his Ligue 1 account with two goals against Rennes, :ninja:*
Don Sweey
05-02-2006, 09:44
Well done Vieri. Now he needs about 25 goals in the remainder of the season to make the Italy squad :laugh:
Don Sweey
05-02-2006, 09:54
What's happened to Di Vaio? Is he even playing?
You know, the man who left Italy and, during his presentation as a Valencia player, said that Serie A was crap (because nobody wanted him) yet was desperate to go back both last summer and in January before moving to Monaco.
Di Vaio played last night, but was subsituted in the 80th minute I believe. Of how he did, I'm not sure as I didn't focus in that game. But serves him after all the lucrative chances he had at Serie A and La Liga. He should learn how to be humble.
Don Sweey
05-02-2006, 10:37
Well his international career is over anyway. He did quite well at Juventus, but didn't take his chance at Valencia (despite a great start) and showed how arrogant he was with what he said after moving.
Is it me or were Marseille the pre-season favourites for giving Lyon a title challenge?
Well his international career is over anyway. He did quite well at Juventus, but didn't take his chance at Valencia (despite a great start) and showed how arrogant he was with what he said after moving.
Is it me or were Marseille the pre-season favourites for giving Lyon a title challenge?
Everyone was welcome to challenge the title against Lyon :tongue:
But pre-season, the bookmakers believed that PSG, Marseille(;)), Lille, Auxerre, Bordeaux and Sochaux were tipped as favourites to win Ligue 1, and that is in order. ;).
As you can see, Sochaux are way off the pace that they have no chance now, it seems they were just one season wonders. Tsk. I'm feeling sorry for Nantes, another negative point. Landreau needs to move, atleast to PSG where Letizi may be leaving soon or retiring. Even Bordeaux (despite their currently on top form keeper) where he can possibly make a CL Appearance next season. Or simply Marseille where Barthez will be of no use sooner or later. :laugh:
I badly want Ajaccio to stay up, they play so well and whole-heartedly. What games did you watch yesterday Sweey? Any particular ones?
Don Sweey
05-02-2006, 11:22
I didn't watch any in France :tongue:
Just watched some of Real-Espanyol (about three minutes before I got bored as Real were winning) and bits of Parma-Roma plus a fair chunk of Nigeria-Tunisia and almost all of Cameroon-Ivory Coast ;)
I do feel for Landreau. Do you think he'll EVER move? Years ago I'm sure teams such as Manchester United were offering £6m for him but he didn't make the move. Does he loves Nantes too much to ever leave? Surely its affecting his chances of becoming France's first-choice goalkeeper.
I didn't watch any in France :tongue:
Just watched some of Real-Espanyol (about three minutes before I got bored as Real were winning) and bits of Parma-Roma plus a fair chunk of Nigeria-Tunisia and almost all of Cameroon-Ivory Coast ;)
I do feel for Landreau. Do you think he'll EVER move? Years ago I'm sure teams such as Manchester United were offering £6m for him but he didn't make the move. Does he loves Nantes too much to ever leave? Surely its affecting his chances of becoming France's first-choice goalkeeper.
I see.
Landreau, he really can, he had so much chances really. But something about him makes him loves Nantes so much, maybe because he has been there ever since and it is his father's home. So, i can see the affection. When Nantes played at Manchester in the CL, the next week or so, he was offered to move. Failed though. He was even once tempted by Marseille and Lyon. But Coupet has matured too well. :D. I still think though, he will keep his place for France. There is no other real keeper standing out for France just now. So, I still see Landreau for France in EURO 08. And boy, will he deserve it! :D
Magpie4eva
05-02-2006, 11:47
I havnt got Eurosport or anything so I rely on you Nikos for the updates :)
I havnt got Eurosport or anything so I rely on you Nikos for the updates :)
That, you can rely on me, I won't fail you buddy. ;)
Might be an older one, but you have to see this by Pauleta of PSG: http://rapidshare.de/files/12322828/aile_d...auleta.wmv.html
Simply amazing, what a shame it didnt get in.
Bordeaux blunt Lyon threat
Olympique Lyonnais failed to score at home for the first time this season as FC Girondins de Bordeaux held them to a goalless draw in the battle of first against second in France.
Defence on top
Bordeaux's watertight rearguard prevailed in a match pitting the league's best attack against its best defence. The Girondins have conceded just 12 goals in 25 matches, and restricted Lyon to long shots and half-chances.
Injury worries
Lyon remain nine points clear with a game in hand – at AS Monaco FC – but there are concerns over defender Sylvain Monsoreau and midfielder Tiago, both of whom limped off with leg injuries. They join a growing list of players doubtful for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven on 21 February.
Cris header
Set-pieces always looked like Lyon's best chance of a breakthrough, and they nearly had one when Cris headed Juninho Pernambucano's corner goalwards and Bordeaux defender David Jemmali deflected it onto the crossbar. But Bordeaux hung on and the point takes them four points clear of Auxerre in second.
Lamouchi winner
In Sunday's other game, Olympique de Marseille climbed four places from ninth to fifth with a 1-0 win away at ES Troyes Aube Champagne. The visitors scored after six minutes with their first attack of the game, when former French international Sabri Lamouchi latched onto Toifilou Maoulida's deflected cross.
Cup diversion
On Tuesday and Wednesday, attention turns to the League Cup semi-finals, with OGC Nice hosting AS Monaco FC for a Riviera derby, while AS Nancy Lorraine play host to Le Mans UC 72.
Source: ©uefa.com
Lyon 0-0 Bordeaux, Matchday 25.
:angry:. Oh well, that cuts our lead on top of Ligue 1 to 9 points but with a game in hand against Monaco. But hey, atleast we haven't lost. For once, a team managed to hold to a goalless draw, and that's the first time that we haven't scored at home for all season. Anyway, game was very nice. Though the result I didn't enjoy. Like I said, if we continue to work and develop in getting that goal during the first half, then I believe things will go our way, no matter what. Unfortunately, It didn't happen last night. But I was happy, Wiltord was bloody amazing last night. Hitting the post twice, and playing so good, almost perfect passes. Juninho led the way and attack, but somehow couldn't get past through Bordeaux. Talk about tight defences. Since Juninho has been captain in place of the injured Cacapa, we haven't really been getting the results we want. Like a draw last night, a hard-fought win over Ajaccio that even went to extra time in the Coupe de France and the dissapointing 1-1 home draw with Auxerre. Can't wait for Cacapa to come back. He is one hell of a captain, we need our defense back, Reveillere, Abidal, Berthod and Monsoreau! Anyway, it's away to Lens next time out. Lens have been on a rather poor form due to most of their stars being at the African Cup. Allez Lyon!
Other Matchday 25 results
Metz - Nancy - Postponed due to freezing pitch, once again :ninja:
PSG 2-2 Saint-Etienne
Nice 2-0 Lille
Rennes 1-3 Monaco
Sochaux 0-0 Le Mans
Toulouse 1-0 Nantes
Lens 2-1 Strasbourg
AC Ajaccio 1-0 Auxerre
Latest News
Lyon RB Sylvain Monsoreau for up to six weeks, :(. Now, it's Abidal, Berthod, Cacapa and Reveillere all injured. Although Berthod is nursing his minor injury. Cacapa is cooming back soon to enforce our defense back together and get back positive results. I hope they all recover in time to play PSV, I am starting to worry, :(. Only Cris is now our starting regular, the rest are youngsters.
Matchday 26
Lens 1-1 Lyon
Auxerre 1-1 Metz
Le Mans 2-0 Nice
Monaco 1-1 Troyes
Nantes 3-1 Sochaux
Bordeaux 2-0 Rennes
Nancy 2-0 Saint-Etienne
Strasbourg 2-2 AC Ajaccio
Marseille 0-0 Toulouse
Lille 0-0 PSG
PSV will woop you with the most boring football ever to grace mankind :tongue:
Don Sweey
07-02-2006, 10:40
PSV will woop you with the most boring football ever to grace mankind :tongue:
They've adopted Catenaccio?? :shocking:
They've adopted Catenaccio?? :shocking:
Even worse, they took catenaccio and added a whole new level of boredom to it :tongue:
Don Sweey
07-02-2006, 13:44
:lol:
PSV will woop you with the most boring football ever to grace mankind :tongue:
And Lyon will perform the most powerful ass-kicking we can give. :D
I hope you do. For once I dont care about PSV winning for the good of Dutch football :tongue:
I hope you do. For once I dont care about PSV winning for the good of Dutch football :tongue:
:tongue:, No worries, we will beat them for Ajax's pleasure. :D
Nice edge into French final
Tuesday, 7 February 2006
Substitute Ederson scored with just two minutes remaining as OGC Nice clinched a place in the French League Cup final with a 1-0 win against AS Monaco FC at Stade Louis II.
Crucial substitutions
With extra time looming, the Brazilian midfield player headed in a pin-point cross from another second-half replacement, winger Sébastien Roudet. It means Nice will now face either AS Nancy-Lorraine and Le Mans UC 72 in the final at the Stade de France on 22 April, but it was Monaco that looked the more likely victors after creating numerous opportunities against their Riviera rivals.
Woodwork intervenes
Christian Vieri came closest with a sumptuous volley that cannoned back off the crossbar just after the hour mark, and only a fine stop from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris denied Marco Di Vaio seconds later. But it was the 70th-minute introduction of Ederson that proved pivotal as he headed Nice into their first major final since their 1996/97 French Cup triumph.
Source: ©uefa.com
What can I possibly add? I didn't watch the game despite me wanting to, to see if Bobo could keep up his good form. Did not, all I can say is, bravo Nice, and well done. ;)
Latest French News
Stade Rennais FC striker Jimmy Briand faces at least a fortnight on the sidelines after tearing a thigh muscle at the weekend. The 20-year-old limped out of the Ligue 1 strugglers' 3-1 home defeat by AS Monaco FC - Rennes' fourth straight loss - and is doubtful for the France Under-21 friendly against Slovakia on 28 February.
Don Sweey
08-02-2006, 18:58
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb8h.html
Mwahahaha serves you right Di Vaio. Next time keep your mouth shut.
romansaoul17
08-02-2006, 19:02
hi guys I'm a frenchie who lives in the states (Paris est magique!!!!!) I'm having difficulties to find an option file for We9.... could you please help me?
Hey Roman. Bienvenue. Allez-vous bien?
Anyway, this thread is about French football. If you want to find an option file for WE9, I suggest you use the search button, and type in what particularly you want to find. Easily, just go to Editing area.
@ Sweey: :laugh:, that's just too bad for Di Vaio. And if I controlled Monaco, I'd also pick Vieri ahead of Monaco, wouldn't you? But you got to feel sorry for Marco even a bit, he did come earlier than Vieri.
Nancy advanced to the final of the Coupe de la Ligue. They beat Mans 2-0, thanks to one great goal from Da Costa. They will now meet Nice who beat Monaco 1-0 last night thanks to their Brazilian striker Ederson. Nancy vs. Nice, final at Saint Denis. Remember, this Cup is equivalent to something like the English League Cup. So, one who wins here gets a chance for the UEFA Cup spot. Hopefully Nice make it, as they most likely have no chance for UEFA Cup with their position in the League. And Nice did take their one and only chance for knocking out their Cote D'Azur local rivals Monaco, so, I admire the heart of Nice.
My brother is wondering(which makes me wondering too) why Vieri's nickname is Bobo :mellow:
I would have picked Vieri too, as the target man against ze Swiss.
My brother is wondering(which makes me wondering too) why Vieri's nickname is Bobo :mellow:
I would have picked Vieri too, as the target man against ze Swiss.
Not really sure why too Barry, I think Bobo is short for his goal scoring abilities. Or something like saying 'Bobogoal'. Not too sure though, better ask Sweey, he is much better with the Italians.
Yes, Vieri too over here. ;)
Allright, Ill wait for Sweey to get online ;)
Hows things looking in Ligue 1? Could you post a table nikos?
EDIT: Never mind , found a very good one http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables?league=fra.1&cc=5739
Don Sweey
09-02-2006, 11:07
;)
It was not always like this. Vieri was once loved and praised by soccer pundits as being one of the best strikers in the world and Pele named him among the top 125 living players. But as well as praise, he attracted criticism - and this year was named Serie A's worst player of 2005. He was not deemed to be Mr. Intelligent, as his nickname Bobo or Bobogol implies that he is stupid, for he always begins his sentences with ermm…
Hahah, not what I expected. Bobo could be applied to a lot of footballers these days
:tongue:
Allright, Ill wait for Sweey to get online ;)
Hows things looking in Ligue 1? Could you post a table nikos?
EDIT: Never mind , found a very good one http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables?league=fra.1&cc=5739
:tongue:
Barry, the table is in Page 1. I always update it as soon as the final whistle goes, so it's updated. ;)
But here it is anyway. ;)
Standings
1 Lyon 24 PL, 16 W, 7 D, 1 L. 55 PTS.
2 Bordeaux 25 PL, 12 W, 10 D, 3 L. 46 PTS.
3 Auxerre 25 PL, 13 W, 3 D, 8 L. 42 PTS.
4 Lille 25 PL, 11 W, 7 D, 6 L. 40 PTS.
5 Marseille 25 PL, 11 W, 6 D, 8 L. 39 PTS.
6 PSG 24 PL, 11 W, 5 D, 8 L. 38 PTS.
7 Lens 25 PL, 8 W, 13 D, 4 L. 37 PTS.
8 Monaco 24 PL, 10 W, 6 D, 8 L. 36 PTS.
9 Le Mans 25 PL, 10 W, 6 D, 9 L. 36 PTS.
10 Saint-Etienne 24 PL, 8 W, 10 D, 6 L. 34 PTS.
11 Nice 24 PL, 8 W, 9 D, 7 L. 33 PTS.
12 Toulouse 25 PL, 9 W, 6 D, 10 L. 33 PTS.
13 Nancy 24 PL, 9 W, 5 D, 10 L. 32 PTS.
14 Rennes 25 PL, 10 W, 2 D, 13 L. 32 PTS.
15 Nantes 24 PL, 8 W, 6 D, 10 L. 30 PTS.
16 Sochaux 25 PL, 6 W, 9 D, 10 L. 27 PTS.
17 Troyes 24 PL, 6 W, 7 D, 11 L. 25 PTS.
18 AC Ajaccio 25 PL, 4 W, 8 D, 13 L. 20 PTS.
19 Strasbourg 24 PL, 2 W, 9 D, 13 L. 15 PTS.
20 Metz 24 PL, 2 W, 8 D, 14 L. 14 PTS.
Some quick News
Lyon update
Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon will be chasing their first league victory for a month when they visit Racing Lens on Saturday.
The four-times champions are top of the 20-club table but their lead has been cut from 14 to nine points by Bordeaux over recent weeks.
Lyon, struck by a string of injuries, were held to draws in their last two outings against Auxerre and Bordeaux while their match at Monaco scheduled for Jan. 29 was postponed because of a flooded pitch.
"There is no need to start panicking," said goalkeeper Gregory Coupet. "Our recent results have only confirmed that we are merely human beings.
"We have had to deal with a couple of problems. Some training sessions were disrupted by the bad weather and several players got injured. It has only confirmed that the title race is far from over," Coupet said.
Defender Sylvain Monsoreau tore a thigh muscle during a French Cup match at AC Ajaccio last week and will be out for up to six weeks.
Monsoreau joined captain Claudio Cacapa, international defenders Anthony Reveillere and Eric Abidal, and Jeremy Berthod on the casualty list.
"We'll soon believe we are cursed," said midfielder Florent Malouda, who is likely to start Saturday's match in an unaccustomed defensive position.
In their first meeting in September, Lyon salvaged a 1-1 draw, Portuguese midfielder Tiago hitting a late equaliser for the champions.
"I remember the match pretty well," said Coupet. "Lens gave us a hell of a lot of trouble. They were strong.
"We look at the match on Saturday as an important step on the road towards a fifth title," Coupet said.
Bordeaux will look to narrow the gap on Lyon further when they host troubled Stade Rennes.
Bordeaux, who have leaked only 12 goals from 24 matches and only one from their last seven outings, are unbeaten this year while the Brittany side are on a four-match losing run.
Pauleta makes a point for PSG
Striker Pedro Pauleta grabbed his 16th goal of the season as Paris St Germain laboured to a 1-1 draw at struggling Racing Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Wednesday.
Strasbourg forward Amara Diane had opened the scoring from close-range in the 13th minute but PSG equalised when Pauleta curled the ball into the net on the half-hour.
PSG leapfrogged arch-rivals Olympique Marseille into fifith, with both teams on 39 points in the race for a UEFA Cup spot.
Strasbourg are staring at relegation since they remain second from bottom with 16 points, nine adrift of Troyes, who are in the safety zone, with 13 matches to play.
PSG will welcome the point but they have improved little since Guy Lacombe took over as coach from Laurent Fournier, who was axed in December. They have lost twice in six league matches this year and are now without a win in their last three.
RC Strasbourg 1-1 PSG.
Source: FIFA.com
During the Auxerre-PSG game
It's all about Pauleta's skill against Auxerre that people are talking about. I haven't seen the game, but I saw the highlights. It's simply breath-taking and thanks to Barry, he has a provided a clip on this thread, you can find it in the previous page or in the Goal request video's thread, here it is. Thanks again Barry. http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=video&file=aile_de_pigeon_pauleta.wm v
International News
France play Slovakia for a friendly on March 1, 2006. Squad will be announced within a week. Coach Raymond looks like he will pick Coupet ahead of Barthez (:D), and Landreau as the backup instead of Bordeaux's so-far-excellent keeper Sebastien Roux. Willy Sagnol, Lillian Thuram, Gael Givet and William Gallas will all be in the squad again as defenders. Anthony Reveillere will be in aswell. There are talks about giving French youngsters a debut. Jeremy Menez, Jeremy Toulalan, Jeremie Berthod, Rio Mavuba are part of this. Franck Jurietti has been picked again impressing Coach Raymond a lot. Zidane should be in too if he is fit. Govou will be called up again after missing the last game against Germany. Nicolas Anelka, David Trezeguet, Thierry and Djibril Cisse are part of the striker's list. No other surprises, no Rothen, but Malouda in. Infact, it's a race between Rothen and Pires really for the left side. Claude and Patrick are the defensive midfielders here. Overall, strong squad and the Slovaks should provide a stern test for us. Hopefully, we can win strongly as we have two more friendlies to go and we must give a good impression to the other World Cup contenders.
Ligue 1 round-up
Ligue 1 leaders Lyon were moments away from defeat at Lens on Saturday but salvaged a 1-1 draw at Stade Felix-Bollaert.
Former Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord struck a minute into time added on at the end of the match as Gerard Houllier's side got out of jail.
After a goalless first half, Ferryera Jussie's 56th minute gave the hosts the lead but Wiltord spared his side's blushes
The champions' lead has been cut to seven points, however, after Bordeaux picked up all three with a 2-0 win over Rennes.
In a comfortable evening for the Stade Chaban-Delmas outfit Fernando Menegazzo scored their first goal on 40 minutes and the win was wrapped up by former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer midway through the second half.
Le Mans are the big movers in Ligue 1 after a 2-0 win over Nice lifted the club up to the heady heights of fifth.
After a goalless first half at Leon-Bollee the hosts made sure of the win with two goals inside four second half minutes midway through the second period through first James Fanchone and then Ismael Bangoura.
Third place Auxerre slipped up with a 1-1 draw at home to bottom club Metz although it could have been much worse for Jacques Santini's side after the visitors took a 54th minute lead through Ludovic Obraniak.
Luigi Pieroni's successful conversion of a 75th minute penalty ensured a share of the spoils although a point does little to improve Metz's hopes of avoiding demotion to Ligue 2.
Troyes gained a useful point, however, in their battle to avoid relegation after coming from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at Monaco.
After Christian Vieri gave the home an early lead at Stade Louis II many would have anticipated a long night for the visitors but Troyes levelled through Eloge Enza Yamissi shortly after the hour mark and held on for the draw.
ASM's frustration boiled over and Lucas Bernardi was dismissed in the 74th minute.
In a relegation six-pointer at Strasbourg the hosts were left to lament their inability to hold onto a lead after drawing 2-2 with Ajaccio.
Twice the hosts held the advantage through Alexander Farnerud (3) and Amara Diane (59).
However, a brace from Moussa N'Diaye rescued a point for Ajaccio who still trail fourth from bottom Troyes by five points.
Elsewhere, Nancy claimed a 2-0 win over St Etienne to leapfrog their opponents in mid-table.
The game was effectively made safe for the hosts inside the first 20 minutes when, after Mickael Chretien had given Nancy an eighth minute lead, Elie Kroupi added another from the penalty spot.
A hat-trick from Mamadou Diallo was the highlight as Nantes ran out 3-1 winners over Sochaux.
Diallo struck first in the 20th minute although his strike was quickly cancelled out by Ilan.
Diallo was not to be denied, however, and duly added to his tally in the 71st and 73rd minutes.
Two more games to be played to finsh Matchday 26
Latest French News
Mahamadou Diarra and Cris are being scouted by AC Milan as possible transfer targets. Something imo may not happen really. But it is believed they want them. Diarra though says "If I move out of Lyon, I will only prefer a move to England".
Also, Franck Ribery has spoken of his desire to one day join Real Madrid. Although this 'one day' may seem real far away as he decided to pen a new one-year extension contract deal, remaining in Marseille. Abdoulaye Meite says he will not move to England now and has decided to stay after an attempted offer from Middlesbrough.
Mario Lustrinelli was on the verge of joining Rennes, but instead has opted joining the Czech Champions Sparta Praha. I think he fits in there too. Rennes has been looking a quick replacement striker after their star Jimmy Briand has been injured and may not feature till mid-March.
Could anyone give me the answer to something thats made me curious...
I've seen PSG with this logo on their shirts as pictured below - not their usual Thompson sponsor. And I'm sure I've seen Monaco with that same logo too this season. Again, different to their main sponsor.
http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics05_06/France/psg/pauleta_strike.jpg
Could anyone give me the answer to something thats made me curious...
I've seen PSG with this logo on their shirts as pictured below - not their usual Thompson sponsor. And I'm sure I've seen Monaco with that same logo too this season. Again, different to their main sponsor.
http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics05_06/France/psg/pauleta_strike.jpg
Sure you have seen Monaco? They have always sticked to FedCom as their main sponsors. So too have PSG with Thomson, but I have also seen this. PSG and possibly Monaco wore this to celebrate the northern part of France's introduction to Ligue 1 (Le Championnat). The first ever official game was in Paris. That is why PSG is one of the most decorated football teams in France as French football started there. Although Marseille have been more decorative in terms of championships. If you saw Monaco aswell, then I suppose it's because it's part of the northern hemisphere too.
Anyway no worries, tis only temporary, and they are back into using Thomson again.
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5007/cp43efbf6d6e377unelille5gv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Ligue-1 Round-Up
Marseille did little to boost their hopes of claiming a UEFA Champions League place, as they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Toulouse, while it was a similar scoreline between Lille and Paris Saint Germain.
L'OM have failed to mount a serious challenge to Lyon this term and they missed the chance to close in on the top four, as they were held by Toulouse.
Lille and PSG are also chasing Champions League qualification and they cancelled each other out at Villeneuve d'Ascq.
Geoffrey Dernis went close to stealing the points for Lille when hitting the bar, while Matt Moussilou beat Jerome Alonzo, but saw his effort crash off the post.
PSG carved out little in the way of clear-cut openings, although Pedro Pauleta put a decent chance wide 20 minutes from time and David Rozehnal went close in stoppage time.
Coupe de France update
Lyon (Ligue 1) - Bastia
Marseille (Ligue 1) - Châteauroux (Ligue 2) or Sochaux (Ligue 1)
Nantes (Ligue 1) - Dijon (L2)
Montpellier (Ligue 2) or Roye (CFA) - Bordeaux (L1)
Calais (CFA) - Brest (L2)
Lyon-Duchère (CFA) - PSG
Vitré (CFA) - Lille (L1)
Colmar (CFA2) - Rennes (L1)
Matches are on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd March, 2006.
Matchday 26 results
Lens 1-1 Lyon
Auxerre 1-1 Metz
Le Mans 2-0 Nice
Monaco 1-1 Troyes
Nantes 3-1 Sochaux
Bordeaux 2-0 Rennes
Nancy 2-0 Saint-Etienne
Strasbourg 2-2 AC Ajaccio
Marseille 0-0 Toulouse
Lille 0-0 PSG
Matchday 27
Lyon 3-1 Nantes
Nice 2-0 Monaco
PSG 0-1 Le Mans - Crazy!
Rennes 4-1 Lens
Troyes 0-1 Nancy
Sochaux 1-0 Auxerre
AC Ajaccio 0-2 Bordeaux
Saint-Etienne 0-2 Lille
Toulouse 1-2 Strasbourg
Metz 1-0 Marseille
Lyon vs. Nantes. Wow, that should be one very good game. Finally, playing back at Stade Gerland. Only thing is, we are still short of our defenders, as they are still injured. As for Berthod, he is alright, and should feature. Cacapa, Reveillere and Abidal still nursing their injuries. Patrick Muller, the latest Lyon recruit, should start playing along Cris to bolster our defense, as haven't been having the best of results lately. We need to step up our game, no doubt. We can I believe, switch to a more attackings stlye for this game. As Nantes have been the subject of taking the opposing team deep into their territories and then create counter-attacks. As much as I like Nantes' keeper Mickael Landreau, I desperately hope we take maximum points against his team, as we need it, not only to stay on top of Ligue 1, but to also give us confidence again, especially ahead of the CL tie with PSV Eindhoven. Surely, we will be featuring less known players as we need a full strenght squad against PSV. Probably Pedretti ahead of Diarra or Tiago, Clerc as right back, Give Benzema a start and let Carew rest. Something like that. Anyway, no matter the bad circumstances we are in, I am believing we will get the three points against Nantes, our defense knows their attackers well, and Nantes have not scored against us since last season. So, there you go. 3 points to Lyon, hopefully, and carry that to Eindhoven!! :ninja: Allez Lyon!
Magpie4eva
13-02-2006, 09:21
Rennes - Lens
Lyon - Nantes
These are the best games!
Don Sweey
13-02-2006, 10:00
Nikos, are Lyon struggling due to their injuries or are other teams getting a bit lucky and managing to hold them?
Rennes - Lens
Lyon - Nantes
These are the best games!
Yes, they are! I'm really looking forward to the Nantes game. We badly need three points, no matter what.
@ Sweey: You can say that. I think Lyon are struggling due to their injury problems. Especially their defense. That's too bad, esp. now that the CL is coming soon. But then again, all teams need luck, even Lyon. We could have lost last time out, luckily Wiltord came to the rescue. But I can definitely say that when we have been struggling, the other teams such as Auxerre, Bordeaux, PSG etc. have taken GREAT advantage of it, so that's the reason Ligue 1 is open again in terms of the title race. :(
Don Sweey
13-02-2006, 10:24
Not really open yet - Lyon seven points clear with a game in-hand :tongue:
Bordeauxon a roll, we might get an open race after all if Lyon continues to piss their own fire.
Not really open yet - Lyon seven points clear with a game in-hand :tongue:
I suppose you're right, if there is one thing we are good at, it's definitely consistency. But our defender our missing, with Monsoreau, Cacapa, Reveillere and Abidal all out on long terms. That is bad news, two more slip-ups, and the title may not be ours anymore. Simply we need confidence again and some positive results. A win against Nantes will do just that. Infact, all our defenders are racing against time in order to face PSV, which Gerrard Houllier is having a bigger eye for. Eindhoven, sounds scary. We bloody need a good performance against Nantes so we have the confidence against PSV to beat them. Yes Barry? :tongue:
I suppose you're right, if there is one thing we are good at, it's definitely consistency. But our defender our missing, with Monsoreau, Cacapa, Reveillere and Abidal all out on long terms. That is bad news, two more slip-ups, and the title may not be ours anymore. Simply we need confidence again and some positive results. A win against Nantes will do just that. Infact, all our defenders are racing against time in order to face PSV, which Gerrard Houllier is having a bigger eye for. Eindhoven, sounds scary. We bloody need a good performance against Nantes so we have the confidence against PSV to beat them. Yes Barry? :tongue:
You never know with PSV though :tongue:
Their CL run so far was all but impressive bar the Milan match, and in the league they arent showing a lot of form, but they win because of some individual class(Farfan especially) and the added class a topclub always has.
Either way, its gonna be a good match. Until PSV gets to 1-0,they'll let it bleed dry after that :tongue:
Don Sweey
13-02-2006, 16:00
:laugh:
You never know with PSV though :tongue:
Their CL run so far was all but impressive bar the Milan match, and in the league they arent showing a lot of form, but they win because of some individual class(Farfan especially) and the added class a topclub always has.
Either way, its gonna be a good match. Until PSV gets to 1-0,they'll let it bleed dry after that :tongue:
Sure they will :tongue:
*Then Juninho hits a 93rd minute freekick to tie the game. :ninja:*
Ligue 1 Round-Up
Troyes picked up a crucial point in their battle against relegation with a 1-1 draw at Nantes.
The game burst into life 15 minutes from time when Troyes goalkeeper Ronan Le Crom was sent off.
Nantes took full advantage of their numerical superiority when Claudiu Keseru broke the deadlock on 79 minutes.
The home side were reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Mickael Landreau was dismissed seven minutes from time and Benjamin Nivet converted from the resulting penalty to earn Troyes a point.
Nice moved into the top half of the table with a 1-0 victory over St Etienne.
David Bellion, who is on loan from Manchester United, grabbed the only goal of the game on 36 minutes in the Saint Etienne Nice game.
Scores were, Nantes 1-1 Troyes. (Demoralizing draw, Landreau also got sent off.) and Saint Etienne 0-1 Nice.
Lyon after Brazlilian Eduardo
Lyon are ready to head off rival interest from Spain and England in order to snare Corinthians starlet Eduardo.
The promising Brazilian has impressed over the past few months with his outstanding form and Lyon tried to bring him to Stade Gerland during January's transfer window.
Moves are afoot to get the 18-year-old a German passport, which would smooth his route to Europe, and l'OL are very aware of the Brazilian market.
Developments are expected before the end of the season as the French champions lead the chase for the right wing back's signature.
"I'm still cutting my teeth here," Eduardo said recently. "And it all seems like a dream.
"I wake up every day and thank God for what's happening to me."
Meanwhile, Les Gones will probably accept the permanent transfer of Nilmar to Corinthians.
The forward was rarely used at Stade Gerland but has fitted in perfectly with the Brazilian side and looks set to remain in South America.
Don Sweey
15-02-2006, 11:34
Yesterday:
Nantes 1 Troyes 1
Saint-Etienne 0 Nice 1
EDIT: Didn't see your post Nikos ;)
What do you make of the chances French teams have in Europe?
UEFA Cup action repeat tonight for few French Teams
15h30
L.Lovech - Strasbourg 0-2 Finished Le-Pen 2', Diane 82'
18h00
FC Bâle - Monaco 1-0 Finished Degen 78'
19h00
Lille - Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 Finished Fauvergue 19', Dernis 57', Odemwingie 78'. Brandao 88', Marica 89'. :angry: Watched this match, thriller. But Lille will feel real bad letting in two LATE goals, that could probably cost them the next round passage.
20h45
Bolton 0-0 Marseille Finished
Udinese 3-0 Lens Finished
Sweey, I will answer your post later. And write more of the UEFA cup action with the French Clubs, later on, as I'm concentrating on the Bolton-Marseille game now, :ninja:
Yesterday:
Nantes 1 Troyes 1
Saint-Etienne 0 Nice 1
EDIT: Didn't see your post Nikos ;)
What do you make of the chances French teams have in Europe?
Now that the UEFA Cup first leg results have been finished, I think the chances are few and far between really. Take for example, Strasbourg beating Litex Lovech 2-0 away from home. And Marseille holding Bolton to a 0-0 draw. But Lille going 3-0 up, lost ground conceding two late goals that could prove decisive in the next round. And Lens who have been pretty impressive in the League, lose t Udinese 3-0! That was not a good result at all. In the CL though, I still believe Lyon can make it, taking one game at a time. The game away at Eindhoven, will be real big, we must focus hard. A draw should not be the best result, for me, a win is the best result we can get. If we get a draw, the tie is still risky, and PSV can still score away (which I think they will) and still hurt our chances. I also think Farfan will score for the Dutch side in the first leg. If we get a draw, I prefer something like 2-2. So that in France, we can still afford a 0-0 or 1-1 draw. I say this because of our injuries, if we weren't hurt with the injuries, I would feel confident. Anyway, I never doubt Lyon, this tie will definitely be decided in France. ;)
Don Sweey
17-02-2006, 11:57
Ties are always definitely decided in the second leg :tongue:
Just take Milan for example. They can win a first leg 67-0 and still go out.
Ties are always definitely decided in the second leg :tongue:
Just take Milan for example. They can win a first leg 67-0 and still go out.
If only you had done such a few years earlier :tongue:
PSV's CL spell so far looks bad, despite making it to the 2nd round. They dont give away much chances, certainly not at home. You should keep it very tight at the back, and dominate their midfield and wingers, Farfan can always grab a goal, no matter how shit he plays.
Lyon 3-1 Nantes
Oh God, finally! We are back on track guys! This is the kind of result and performance we just needed to take into Eindhoven. Like I said, score two goals in the first half and we won't lose. Lyon has done just that. Juninho and Diarra scored their goals in the 8' and 37' respectively. And yes, you guessed right, Juninho hit a lovely free-kick that gave us the lead. 6 goals in the league now, Sweet! :D And in the second half, on 57', Fred who badly needs a goal aswell, got his to make it 3-0 at a time. Only for Nantes' leading scorer Diallo to add a consolation goal late into the game. How we coped with the injuries? We put on our youngster Francois Clerc who was pretty much outstanding, except from a silly yellow card. Muller and Cris played well together. I don't think our defense was the problem, it's just Diallo's goal, which was real excellent. Anyway, I am delighted with this result. Exactly what we needed. Roll on PSV! :D
*And yes Barry, Farfan may be shit, but he certainly gives team's shit-hard moments* A goal from out of nowhere is what he does. :ninja:
Dont get me wrong, Farfan is an exceptional talent, but he too has offdays(and diving days, ever day that is) like yesterday. PSV beat Vitesse 3-1 away at Vitesse, but that is the only positive thing about PSV's performance.
Farfan got a lucky goal with a deflected shot, Lamey made a lucky goal from the side where he tried to cross it in and accidentally scored. Only the 3rd goal was fully on Farfan's credit.
Vitesse dominated on all fronts, they went in too all duels like mad, with a passion I love to see. PSV has got a tough programme, after they face Lyon they'll have this program: AZ,Heerenveen,Lyon again,Ajax.
Good to see Lyon back on the tracks on time to put PSV back on the ground with both feet. Although the CL is always something on its own, form in the league doesnt really count.
PSV 0-1 Olympique Lyonnais!
Juninho Pernambucano 65'. What else can you want? The best man scores once again, b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. Lovely lovely lovely. In two weeks time it's PSV's time to play away at Stade Gerland. Where I'm expecting that we score an early goal, and balance the game out. Once again, bravo Juninho, bravo Lyon!
PSV Eindhoven 0-1 Lyon :D
Juninho strike leaves Lyon on top
Tuesday, 21 February 2006
A second-half free-kick from Juninho Pernambucano put Olympique Lyonnais on course for a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a 1-0 victory against PSV Eindhoven at the Philips Stadion.
Govou dismissed
Following an even first half, the French champions stepped up the pace after the interval, and eventually got their reward on 64 minutes when they won a free-kick 25 metres from goal. Inevitably it was Brazilian midfielder Juninho who stepped up and he did not disappoint, striking a fierce, swerving drive that completely deceived compatriot Heurelho Gomes in the PSV goal. The visitors looked to press home their advantage but were forced to defend for the last ten minutes after Sidney Govou was dismissed for a second yellow card.
Defensive honours
The win will go some way towards avenging last season's quarter-final defeat by PSV, and was largely down to a fine performance from a makeshift defence which saw recent signing Patrick Müller make his 50th UEFA Champions League appearance alongside Brazilian Cris. They helped subdue an attacking lineup of Jefferson Farfán and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, as Arouna Koné was confined to the substitutes' bench.
Coupet acrobatics
PSV almost took the lead in the first minute when Ibrahim Afellay's cross was met with force by the head of Vennegoor of Hesselink and only an acrobatic save from Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet kept the scores level. Minutes later Coupet's opposite number Gomes was forced to scramble off his line to prevent Govou latching on to Michael Reiziger's weak back-pass as Lyon slowly established territorial advantage. But PSV remained dangerous on the break, with Afellay particularly menacing on the left.
Blistering strike
In Juninho, Lyon have one of the best free-kick exponents in world football, but PSV revealed one of their own on 15 minutes when Farfán was brought down. Up stepped Alex, and the Brazilian defender's blistering drive grazed the crossbar as the helpless Coupet watched on. The set-piece was one of a series awarded to either team in a scrappy period in which André Ooijer received treatment for a head wound, and Cris for a knock.
Chances created
Lyon midfielder Florent Malouda screwed an effort high and wide when well placed midway through the half, before PSV's Belgian international Timmy Simons saw his cross-cum-shot slip narrowly past the post as both sides created opportunities. With half-time approaching a bustling run from John Carew ended in a well-struck shot from the edge of the box that flew across Gomes's goal. Moments later Vennegoor of Hesselink went even closer, but not close enough, with a flashing header.
Lyon pressure
The second half started briskly, with Carew and Phillip Cocu missing chances at either end before Sylvain Wiltord, a half-time replacement for Cris, drilled an effort well past Gomes's right-hand post. Lyon continued to press, and Gomes had to stretch to keep out Mahamadou Diarra's rasping drive. PSV substitute Ismaïl Aissati then cleared a Carew header off the line just before the hour mark, and eventually the mounting Lyon pressure told.
Juninho attempt
Juninho's free-kick bamboozled Gomes but the goalkeeper went some way towards atoning for that error when he beat out a fierce drive from another Brazilian, Lyon substitute Fred soon after. By the time the French team's attacking impetus had been curtailed by Govou's dismissal, Koné had replaced Afellay. The Ivorian had a gilt-edged opportunity late on when sent clear by Vennegoor of Hesselink's header, but hit the post as Lyon took a significant step towards the quarter-finals.
Source: ©uefa.com
Congratulations :D
Interesting match it was, no side really better than the other. PSV started off well, then Lyon seemed to gain control again, and then that process started looping.
The ref was rather shit, although in this light I have to add the linesmen were absolutely fantastic, they saw the smallest of offsides. The ref wasnt consistent at all, if Govou deserved a sentoff, so did Juninho and Diarra who made a worse foul and didnt get a 2nd yellow. Furthermore the ref saw things that werent there. For example; Ooijer and Fred were in a duel in the air, and suddenly he calls for a foul by Ooijer.........gives a freekick and Juninho scores :laugh:
Kone should have certainly scored, although he was caught off balance. Nice freekick by Juninho to finish it, and an unforgivable mistake by Gomes. Although PSV's wall was to blame too, the man in the left of the wall(Affellay) ducked away, the FK wasnt unstoppable.
This could have gone both ways, despite Lyon being better in the 2nd half.
Men of the Match: Simons and Coupet
Mainly that save in the first minutes, on the Vennegoor header. Fantastic reflex save. And Simons was outstanding all game.
Good on you, dont get too cocky at home though. Just finish them off slow and painfully ;)
Yes, very painfully. :D. Hehe. Such a great result really. I'm super happy, and that feeling that I had, that Juninho would score last night, terrific. He is our driving force, and I can be almost certain, a free-kick at Gerland, will result in a goal. ;). Enough about 'the man', it was all a great team work performed by us. Both teams were really equal, you're right. :)
By the way, that 'awful' referee last night was Mr. Kyros Vassaras, the most highly respected ref in Greece. :tongue:. Anyway, it will be Juninho on the right now, and bring on most likely Fred to start along Carew in the next leg.
Coupe de France result
Montpellier (L2) 6-1 Roye (L3). A thrashing! Anyway, it was expected.
UEFA Cup action for Ligue 1 teams, Leg 2
Marseille 2-1 Bolton, Marseille advance to the final 16 with their 2-1 agreggrate win
To be honest, it's real sad Bolton get knocked out this early. I was really hoping they could go real far and reach the final. Stelios did so well to put them into the lead capitalizing on Barthez' mistake. But two goals from Scarface Ribery and an own goal from Ben Haim. Tis real sad. :(
Olympique de Marseille came from behind to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup with a battling 2-1 victory against Bolton Wanderers FC at the Stade Vélodrome, after a goalless first leg.
Crucial own goal
The English side looked to be heading for a famous away win on 25 minutes when Stylianos Giannakopoulos broke the deadlock, stroking the ball into the open goal after Fabien Barthez had dropped an innocuous hanging cross from Jay-Jay Okocha. But the home team rallied, and Franck Ribéry equalised just before half-time with a header. The timing of the goal was cruel to Bolton and they never really recovered as a 68th-minute Tal Ben Haim own goal saw Marseille through to face FC Zenit St. Petersburg.
Lively Ribéry
The Ligue 1 team began on the defensive, however, and Barthez almost presented the visitors with an early opener, parrying Okocha's free-kick into a crowded penalty box, though the ball evaded the on-rushing strikers. It was a rare opportunity in a fractious opening spell, as frequent fouls prevented either team from getting into their stride. Habib Beye headed Ribéry's corner wide on 12 minutes, before Barthez's error allowed Giannakopoulos to score a goal that had not looked like coming.
Marseille weakness
The Greece midfielder could have doubled the lead, when the advancing Joey O'Brien again found him unmarked at the back post, but he failed to get good purchase on his effort and Barthez gratefully collected. The game quickly reverted back to type as the teams' five-man midfields cancelled each other out, but as the opener had come out of the blue, so did the equaliser as Ribéry met Samir Nasri's pinpoint cross.
Pivotal moment
It was the winger's third UEFA Cup goal this term, and the timing could not have been better for Marseille. Buoyed by the strike, Nasri and Wilson Oruma tested Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen soon after the restart as Marseille pressed. They eventually got their reward when a Giannakopoulos error allowed Beye to cut inside and thread a dangerous ball into the area that Ben Haim directed into his own net.
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 Lille, Lille advance to the last 16 through their 3-2 agreggrate win
LOSC Lille Métropole held on to their precarious 3-2 first-leg advantage to book a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup with a hard-fought goalless draw against FC Shakhtar Donetsk in freezing conditions in Ukraine.
In the balance
Seemingly cruising as the game approached the final whistle, Claude Puel's side's hopes hung in the balance after Shakhtar pulled two last-gasp goals back at the Villeneuve d'Ascq last week. But the Ukrainian team could not continue that momentum on home soil as Lille kept them at bay, displaying the sort of spirit their coach has suggested could see them "go a long way" in the competition.
Woodwork intervenes
Andrei Vorobey came closest to breaking the French side's resolve, striking the upright after reacting to a loose ball following Blumer Elano's dangerous corner. Brazilian playmaker Blumer provided a timely boost as he passed a late fitness test to take his place in the side but it was Lille who started the match on the front foot, and Geoffrey Dernis twice provided nervous moments for Bohdan Shust within the first three minutes.
Lichtsteiner denied
Brandão headed just wide at the other end on 12 minutes but the game became fractious thereafter, with both sides struggling to come to terms with the uneven surface at the Regional Sports Complex. The teams therefore resorted to high balls, and Lille almost profited just before the half-hour mark when defender Stephan Lichtsteiner headed against the post.
Late hope
Again Shakhtar rallied, as Ciprian Marica forced a save from goalkeeper Tony Sylva two minutes later and after half-time only poor finishing from Matuzalem prevented the home side scoring the goal they most coveted. The Brazilian blazed over the crossbar later in the half, while Vorobey saw his shot come back off the post, but Shakhtar could not find the net as Lille hung on.
Monaco 1-1 Basel, Basel advance to the Final 16 thanks to their 2-1 agreggrate win
AS Monaco FC's pledge to win the UEFA Cup this season was broken as FC Basel 1893's Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic secured a priceless equaliser at the Stade Louis II to earn his side a 2-1 aggregate win.
'A question of honour'
After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the third qualifying round back in August, Monaco president Michal Pastor had made UEFA Cup success the club's main priority, saying: "We must win it. It's a question of honour." Yet, when honours finished even in the Principality tonight, it was Basel - who won the first leg 1-0 - who advanced to the last 16.
Crucial header
The home side had been handed a 21st-minute lead when on-loan striker Christian Vieri converted from the penalty spot after Jaroslav Plašil was brought down by Matías Delgado. However, Basel took what proved to be the decisive advantage eleven minutes into the second period as Mladen Petrić's cross from the left was headed by Majstorovic past Flavio Roma to leave Monaco needing at least two goals for victory.
Early pressure
The visitors had started brightly with David Degen - the scorer of their winner in the first leg - testing Roma early on before Majstorovic kept the goalkeeper occupied with an effort from the edge of the area. Despite that bright Basel spell, Monaco's first meaningful attack was to end with the penalty that put them ahead.
Kapo chances
Akis Zikos came close to extending Monaco's lead eight minutes later, but his effort sailed wide. Maicon then miscued from 18 metres in the second half before Basel equalised, and while substitute Olivier Kapo had a couple of good efforts late on, Basel's nerve held.
Lens 1-0 Udinese, Udinese advance to the final 16 thanks to their 3-1 agreggrate win
RC Lens failed to overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit as Udinese Calcio did enough to progress despite suffering a 1-0 reverse on the night at the Stade Félix-Bollaert.
Frau hope
Pierre-Alain Frau reignited Lens' UEFA Cup dream when he struck with 35 minutes remaining, but Francis Gillot's team failed to find the additional goals required to stay in the competition, after squandering a whole slew of chances, and as a result it is Udinese who will play PFC Levski Sofia in the Round of 16.
Lens dominance
Yet, the Serie A side failed to produce a solitary goalscoring chance in the 90 minutes, while opportunities arrived thick and fast for their French counterparts. Eric Carrière and Frau had early sights at goal, but Carrière shot too close to goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis and Frau fired wide.
Lacklustre finishing
Then Issam Jemaa forced De Sanctis to tip his 20-metre effort over the bar, and from the resulting corner the goalkeeper made a similar save from Jonathan Lacourt. Lens were doing all the attacking, though their finishing was not matching their build-up play.
Deadlock broken
The one-way trend continued after the break, though it seemed Lens were destined not to score. But that all changed ten minutes after the restart when Frau finished from close range. Lens tried to keep the momentum of the first hour going, and they might have gone 2-0 ahead had Lacourt’s 30-metre shot not been cleared for a corner by Valerio Bertotto.
Udinese prevail
From the corner, Frau almost grabbed his second when a right-footed shot was blocked by Cristian Zapata. Daniel Cousin headed another opportunity wide after a Carrière cross, and exhausted Lens - who had 22 shots to Udinese's zero - were soon out.
Source: ©uefa.com
Don Sweey
24-02-2006, 10:17
From the corner, Frau almost grabbed his second when a right-footed shot was blocked by Cristian Zapata. Daniel Cousin headed another opportunity wide after a Carrière cross, and exhausted Lens - who had 22 shots to Udinese's zero - were soon out.
I completely understand Udinese are having a poor season. I understand they are struggling Serie A, that they are in no way the same team as last season, but to have not a single shot on target just because they're leading 3-0 and to allow themselves to get penned back like that is disgusting.
I completely understand Udinese are having a poor season. I understand they are struggling Serie A, that they are in no way the same team as last season, but to have not a single shot on target just because they're leading 3-0 and to allow themselves to get penned back like that is disgusting.
Didn't notice that. Wow, Lens were taking them to the limits. Who is Udinese's coach anyway? Is it still Serse Cosmi? Lately, he was won my respect, but this year, it seems they aren't flaunting their touch anymore. One season wonders Sweey?
Don Sweey
24-02-2006, 10:39
Not one season wonders, just they're a selling team so once they build a good side the best players end up going to bigger clubs. Things never really clicked under Cosmi (he got sacked a few weeks ago and was replaced by a combination of Nestor Sensini and Loris Dominissini). Perhaps Cosmi bought the wrong players, though having to replace Jankulovski and Pizarro definitely hurt them. I'm sure they'll perform better next season - as long as they don't end up getting themselves relegated.
Olympique Lyonnais 1-4 Stade Rennais FC
John Utaka scored a hat-trick as French league leaders Olympique Lyonnais crashed to a 4-1 home defeat by Stade Rennais FC, while second-placed FC Girondins de Bordeaux rescued a 3-3 draw against bottom side FC Metz.
Utaka treble
Four days after winning at PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, Lyon suffered only their second Ligue 1 loss of the season, as Nigeria striker Utaka scored on 19, 53 and 73 minutes to add to the treble he registered against RC Lens last week.
Juninho consolation
Yoann Gourcuff was also on target for mid-table Rennes, while Juninho Pernambucano's 37th-minute penalty briefly reduced the arrears to 2-1. It was the title-holders' heaviest home reverse since they conceded four against EA Guingamp at the end of the 2002/03 campaign.
Points shared
Bordeaux fared little better than the team six points above them, as the division's best defence yielded three times to its worst attack. Lowly Metz led 3-2 at half-time, with goals from Souleymane Youla, a Souleymane Youla own goal and Roy Contout outweighing a Marouane Chamakh double for the home side. In the end, Bordeaux were grateful for Alejandro Alonso's equaliser 20 minutes from time.
Home subsidence
AJ Auxerre are up to third place, seven points adrift of Bordeaux, as a goal in each half from Kanga Akalé and Thomas Kahlenberg secured victory at home to Toulouse FC. Paris Saint-Germain FC stayed sixth after drawing 0-0 at FC Nantes Atlantique, but Le Mans UC 72 lost to a solitary Hélder Postiga strike at home against AS Saint-Etienne. AS Nancy-Lorraine also suffered home subsidence, going down 3-0 to FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. France's five UEFA Cup representatives are all in action on Sunday.
Source: ©uefa.com
Sorry, don't know what the hell happened. I was busy watching Raw Live! Anyway, we are still up, and Juninho scored, so that's alright with me. I'm sure we can bounce back, afterall, we must have been exhausted from the Eindhoven victory.
LOSC Lille Métropole moved back into third place in Ligue 1 on Sunday as Peter Odemwingie scored the only goal against AS Monaco FC at the Stade Louis II.
Odemwingie effort
After AJ Auxerre won 2-0 against Toulouse FC on Saturday, Lille needed a win in the Principality side to reclaim third spot. They succeeded by the narrowest of margins to leave Monaco ten points below them in the standings, substitute Odemwingie making an emphatic impact on the match following Jean Makoun's dismissal.
Marksman Maoulida
Olympique de Marseille are four points and two places below Lille following a 1-0 win against OGC Nice in the Mediterranean derby. Toifilou Maoulida scored the decisive goal on 66 minutes, dashing Nice's hopes of making it five wins in six games. Elsewhere, RC Strasbourg's vital 2-0 win against fellow strugglers ES Troyes AC came at a price as striker Kevin Gameiro sustained a cruciate injury. Strasbourg's win lifted them above AC Ajaccio following their 1-0 loss at RC Lens today.
Source: ©uefa.com
Don Sweey
27-02-2006, 16:04
It's a shame Bordeaux had such a poor first half against Metz and could only muster a 3-3 draw with Lyon getting a thumping. Would've opened the title race up a little bit.
Shame yes, a little bit more tension is never out of place. Its not the question who will be league winners, more of who will grab 2nd place :D
Dont worry too much about the 1-4 loss, you'll thump PSV anyway if you put a little effort into it.
Don Sweey
27-02-2006, 18:45
I hope Lyon give Hiddink a pasting. He deserves it for beating Milan and Alkmaar.
Dont worry too much about the 1-4 loss, you'll thump PSV anyway if you put a little effort into it.
Sweet. :D
International News, France friendly against Slovakia
Fabien Barthez will start for France against Slovakia at the Stade de France. Coach Raymond Domenech has picked the 34-year-old ahead of Grégory Coupet of Olympique Lyonnais but says his choice does not mean the Olympique de Marseille No1 will be his first choice in Germany. Manchester United FC defender Mikaël Silvestre, 28, who last played for Les Bleus in October 2004, replaces William Gallas who dropped out with a thigh problem on Monday. In attack, Domenech has opted for Fenerbahçe SK's Nicolas Anelka alongside Juventus's David Trezeguet.
For fuck's sake, Barthez ahead of Coupet is a bad mistake. I don't know what Raymond was thinking of. Anyway Coupet will definitely come in during the game as Barthez will fuck up, again. Anelka and Trezeguet look great together. ;)
greenegg
28-02-2006, 21:49
Romain Larrieu for the French squad at the world cup he is better than Barthez
Romain Larrieu for the French squad at the world cup he is better than Barthez
Greenegg, clearly the best keepers in France now are Gregory Coupet and Landreau. Picking Fabien Barthez still is a ridiculous choice. You saw what happend, we lost 2-1 to the Slovaks at home thanks to Barthy. Coach Raymond needs to get over that, he needs to know that Fabien is not France no.1 anymore. Anyway, it was only a friendly, so that's alright, I think he would understand now that Gregory is the best pick.
I had a weird dream the other night. I dreamt that we were playing PSV at home for the next leg of the Champions League. PSV got an early goal, I cannot remember who, I think it's either Cocu or Hesselink (It had a 1 digit number on his back) couldn't be Farfan. Anyway, it was like that all the way until we reached the penalty shoot-out, and then they won it! It was ridiculous shoot-out on our part.
Creepy thing is, I played the same sort of game in PES5, and the same thing happend. Lost at the penalty shoot-out's and it was Cocu who scored in regular time in the first half.
Hope it won't happen the third time in real life! :(
Don Sweey
03-03-2006, 09:40
You seem troubled :tongue:
International News
A 2-1 home loss to Slovakia has ended an 18-match unbeaten run for coach Raymond Domenech, but France are not giving in to despair just yet.
Slovakian success
Former Under-21 boss Domenech had not tasted defeat since taking up his current role on 12 July 2004, but a goal from RC Strasbourg's Szilárd Németh and Jozef Valachovič's late free-kick, either side of a Sylvain Wiltord effort, condemned the home team at the Stade de France.
'A little bit untidy'
However, with Les Bleus showing plenty of style, the media response was ra